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Don’t Repeat Akufo Addo’s Mistakes, Call Muntaka To Order Immediately

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The host of Johnnie’s Bite on 3FM, Johnnie Hughes, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately call the Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mohammed, to order over his recent conduct, adding that he should not repeat the mistakes that were made by Former President Akufo Addo.

Speaking on 3FM on Friday, February 14, 2025, Johnnie Hughes stated that President Mahama should not repeat the mistakes and misdeeds of former President Akufo-Addo. He emphasized that Mahama should intervene and stop Muntaka Mohammed from setting up a committee to investigate the recent public service recruitment, as the committee members are the same individuals who conducted the recruitment.

“The people of the Republic of Ghana are watching you. I told you earlier this year that the sins of President Akufo-Addo must not be repeated by you. Don’t go down that path—if you do, people will be angry with you. You only have one term to serve. Don’t follow that path. Call Muntaka to order and set things right. The people who carried out the recruitment should not be the same ones investigating it,” he said.

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This comes after the National Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka established a seven-member committee to review the process of recruiting personnel into the country’s security services. The committee’s main task is to assess the current recruitment system, identify challenges, and recommend improvements to ensure a fair and transparent process.

The decision to form this committee follows growing concerns about irregularities in security service recruitment, including allegations of favoritism, bribery, and lack of transparency. By setting up this committee, the government aims to strengthen the credibility of the recruitment process and ensure that only qualified individuals are selected based on merit.

The committee is expected to conduct a thorough review and submit its findings and recommendations to the Interior Minister for further action.

We are very worried – Baskeke Holy Stars player Issah Yakubu on GPL suspension

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Basake Holy Stars midfielder, Issah Yakubu, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing break in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), citing its negative impact on players’ motivation and match fitness.

Speaking about the suspension of the league following the tragic death of Francis Yaw Frimpong (Pooley), the midfielder admitted that players are struggling to stay fully committed in training due to the absence of competitive matches.

“We are really worried. We receive salaries and train, but when you train and there is no match, there is not much seriousness attached. So it’s really worrying,” Issah Yakubu said in an interview with Ghana Sports Page.

He urged football supporters to exercise discipline and avoid acts of violence, which have contributed to the league’s suspension.

“I will advise the supporters to comport themselves because it’s because of them that the league is on hold. We the players earn bonuses at the end of the day, so we try to give our best.”

Despite the current situation, the former Kotoko midfielder remains optimistic that Ghanaian football authorities will find a resolution soon.

“But I’m hopeful that very soon, everything will be alright because I know the leaders are working to resume the league.”

The GPL has been on hold since the violent incidents that occurred during Asante Kotoko’s clash with Nsoatreman FC, leading to widespread concerns about security at match venues. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is currently engaging key stakeholders to determine the way forward.

Many of my shows were cancelled after declaring support for the NDC – Jack Alolome

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Gospel musician, Jack Alolome Gospel musician, Jack Alolome

Renowned gospel musician and staunch supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jack Alolome, has shared the challenges he faced after publicly endorsing former President John Dramani Mahama during a campaign launch in Tamale.

In an interview with Accra FM, Jack Alolome revealed that his political stance led to mixed reactions from some of his acquaintances and even impacted his career.

He recounted how, shortly after his endorsement, he received calls from individuals expressing disappointment over his decision.

He also admitted that while he didn’t pay much attention to the backlash, he noticed that some of his bookings were cancelled without clear explanations.

“I went to Tamale for the campaign launch to perform, and that was where I publicly endorsed John Dramani Mahama. Right after that, people started calling me, one particular person called me to tell me he was disappointed in me.

“I didn’t really pay attention to that. But I noticed that, in some cases, I was booked for a show and was later told that it was canceled for one reason or another, even though the show was still ongoing,” he narrated.

He also narrated one notable incident from 2024 when he was booked to perform at a convention where Dr. Yaw Adu-Twum, the former Minister of Education, was a special guest.

“A few days before the event, I was told that I wouldn’t be allowed to perform. No reason was given for the sudden cancellation of my event,” he said.

Despite these setbacks, Jack Alolome has remained unwavering in his support for the NDC and John Mahama, emphasising that his political choices are a reflection of his personal convictions.

ID/EB

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Meanwhile, watch as Asiedu Nketiah breaks silence on the ‘uneasiness’ within the NDC and his ‘fight’ with Mahama

Government reassigns Registrar of Births and Deaths after CLOGSAG’s strike declaration

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President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has reassigned Samuel Adom Botchway, the newly appointed Registrar of the Births & Deaths Registry, following the announcement of a nationwide strike by the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG).

CLOGSAG announced that the strike would commence on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in response to Botchway’s appointment.

The association asserts that Botchway is a politically exposed person and, therefore, unfit for the position.

In a statement dated February 13, 2025, Executive Secretary Isaac Bampoe Addo revealed that the decision to strike was made during a meeting of CLOGSAG’s National Executive Council (NEC) on February 11, 2025.

“The National Executive Council (NEC) decided that should Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway assume office as Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry, CLOGSAG should declare a nationwide strike.

In response to the strike threat, President Mahama has decided to reassign Samuel Adom Botchway.

“Newly appointed Registrar of Births & Deaths Registry, Samuel Adom Botchway, to be reassigned following CLOGSAG’s announcement of a strike; Mahama government pledges to be a listening administration.”

VKB/MA

Meanwhile, watch as Asiedu Nketiah breaks silence on the ‘uneasiness’ within the NDC and his ‘fight’ with Mahama

Industry collaboration key to shaping future architects – IDDG president

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Ghana's architecture and interior design sectors are poised for significant growth Ghana’s architecture and interior design sectors are poised for significant growth

The President of the Interior Designers and Decorators Association of Ghana (IDDG), Audrey Forson, has underscored the importance of industry collaboration in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice within the architecture and design sectors.

She emphasized that providing students with hands-on experience and expert insights into modern interior design and architecture is essential for propelling the country’s development through innovative practices.

“Our goal is to empower young designers with practical skills and knowledge. By partnering with KNUST, we are fostering a generation of architects who understand the dynamic nature of interior design.

“IDDG remains committed to fostering industry connections, promoting educational initiatives, and preparing young professionals to shape Ghana’s design landscape with creativity, innovation, and technical expertise,” Audrey Forson stated.

She made these remarks on the sidelines of a workshop organized by IDDG in partnership with DFWI for sixth-year architecture students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on February 5, 2025.

The workshop aimed to provide students with practical knowledge, industry insights, and exposure to modern trends and tools in the field of architecture and interior design.

Pierre Marawi, Managing Director of DFWI Ghana, also highlighted the broader implications of bridging the gap between academia and industry practice.

He noted that Ghana’s architecture and interior design sectors are poised for significant growth while influencing the future work of students is key to contributing to more innovative and sustainable design practices across the country.

“Such practical workshops are crucial in ensuring that Ghana’s architectural landscape remains competitive and innovative,” Pierre Marawi told the media.

The workshop featured interactive sessions where students applied design principles to real-world projects. Topics covered included Smart Storage & Functional Design, Sustainable Materials, Technology & Innovation in Storage, and Practical Demonstrations.

Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and gain a deeper understanding of how theoretical knowledge is applied in practical, real-world scenarios.

The event, held on the KNUST campus, also featured presentations by industry leaders from BLUM and EGGER, with sessions focused on the latest advancements in storage solutions, sustainable materials, and innovative design technologies.

The collaboration between academia and industry is seen as a strategic move to prepare the next generation of architects and interior designers to meet global standards while contributing to Ghana’s development through cutting-edge design and innovation.

MA

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Nana Apinkrah urges Kofi Adams to launch independent investigation

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Nana Apinkrah is the Chairman of Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee Nana Apinkrah is the Chairman of Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee

Chairman of Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee, Nana Apinkrah, is demanding answers following the tragic death of Francis Frimpong.

Apinkra has formally called on sports minister Kofi Adams to launch an independent investigation into the fatal incident, seeking transparency and accountability.

The passionate Asante Kotoko fan was fatally stabbed during the club’s clash against Nsoatreman on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

What began as an on-field altercation among players quickly escalated into the stands, culminating in the tragic event.

In the wake of the incident, Nana Apinkrah issued an ultimatum to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, urging them to implement Asante Kotoko’s proposed reforms.

Now, he has taken his demands a step further, calling on the Minister of Sports and Recreation, who paid a courtesy visit to Asante Kotoko on Friday, February 14, 2025, to public investigation into the incident and address its root causes.

“What we’re pleading for is a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the match. This incident didn’t start with the fatal outcome, it has deeper roots. We believe it’s not just about the fight that occurred but rather a series of events that unfolded from pre-match preparations to the end of the game,” he stated.

Apinkrah also expressed concern over the repeated mistreatment of Asante Kotoko by rival fans during away games, citing previous incidents against Aduana FC and Berekum Chelsea.

“We’ve experienced similar incidents in the past at Aduana and Berekum, where we had to call in the military to prevent further chaos. Unfortunately, these cases often get swept under the rug after a few weeks. This isn’t just about our team; it’s about the safety and well-being of all teams and fans. When we travel for away matches, we are often subjected to hostile treatment,” he added.

As a result, Nana Apinkrah urged Adams to establish a dedicated institution to address the issue, hoping it will lead to lasting change in Ghanaian football.

“We’re urging you to conduct a thorough probe into this incident so we can identify the root causes and prevent such tragedies in the future. We hope that Pooley’s death will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, catch up on the latest Sports Check with weightlifter Marie Agbah-Hughes on GhanaWeb TV below:

FKA/EK

Dame Hits Back At Ayine Over Discontinuation Of Cases

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Godfred Yeboah Dame

Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has described the move by the current Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine to discontinue several high-profile criminal cases without consulting President John Dramani Mahama, as alarming and detrimental to the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra today, Mr. Dame said, “The people of Ghana should be very scared if we have an AG whose primary consideration in the discontinuation of criminal cases involving the loss of billions of Ghana cedis is the position of defence lawyers on charges preferred against their clients rather than the interest of the republic in the prosecution of crime.

“Even more scary and bizarre is the claim of Dr. Ayine that he did not consult President John Dramani Mahama before taking the monumental decisions to discontinue the criminal cases.”

Mr. Dame iterated the gravity of the cases in question, noting that they involve the loss of significant amounts of taxpayers’ money and are related to the banking sector crisis, which has had a substantial impact on the Ghanaian economy.

“The cases involve the loss of colossal sums of taxpayers’ monies, and some relate to the banking sector crisis which affected the Ghanaian economy,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Dr Ayine has cited three main reasons for his decision, emphasising ethical, professional, and evidentiary concerns.

The cases dropped include those against the acting Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, who was previously implicated in the collapse of UniBank and UT Bank.

Former NDC Chairman Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo and Communications Officer Anthony Kwaku Boahen have also been freed from charges related to a leaked recording allegedly discussing political violence.

The AG has discontinued the case against former Minority Leader and now Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and Richard Jakpa in connection with the ambulance procurement deal.

The case involving former COCOBOD CEO Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo, accused of causing a financial loss of GH¢271 million through the Lithovit foliar fertiliser scandal, has also been terminated.

Charges have also been withdrawn against former SSNIT boss Dr. Ernest Thompson and three others accused of financial mismanagement. However, it was noted that in the case of SSNIT and the banking sector, some individuals are still facing trial.

The financial misconduct case against former Works and Housing Minister Collins Dauda and four others in the Saglemi Housing project was dismissed through a nolle prosequi while charges against Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Ama Governor and others have been dropped.

I Take Responsibility For Dropping Criminal Cases – AG

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Dr. Dominic Ayine

The Attorney General (AG) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine says he takes full responsibility for discontinuing some high-profile cases initiated against some former appointees of the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

According to him, he is not under instructions or pressure from anyone to discontinue the cases or bring charges against anyone.

Speaking at a press conference last Wednesday, he indicated that even President John Dramani Mahama has no hand in the decision to drop the cases, hence urged the public to desist from calling the President a ‘clearing agent.’

“As the Attorney General, I take absolute responsibility for all the decisions taken so far. I am not under any instructions or pressure to discontinue any case or to bring charges against anyone. Those who are in a haste to tag the President as a clearing agent should hasten slowly because he is not responsible for prosecutions and has not directed me to drop any case,” Dr. Ayine pointed out.

Cases Terminated

The Office of the Attorney General has since the final week of January, 2025, discontinued six major trials initiated by the former administration against the former NDC appointees who, according to the previous Attorney General, had caused over GH¢1.08 billion, $214.8 million and €2.37 million financial loss to the state in various transactions.

They include the trial of Dr. Stephen Opuni and Seidu Agongo; Alhaji Collins Dauda in the Saglemi Housing project scandal; Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa in the ambulance case; Dr. Johnson Asiama in the UT Bank and uniBank case; and Ernest Thompson and three others in the SSNIT OBS scandal.

Again, the AG dropped the trial of a former National Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and a Communication Officer of the party, Anthony Kweku Boahen, who were charged for allegedly planning to assault the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) and some officials of the Peace Council.

The Office has also dropped the charges against 53 members of Democracy Hub who were standing trial for offences including unlawful assembly, unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to breach of peace, assault on a public officer and defacement of public property.

Justifications

In justifying his decision to discontinue the cases, Dr. Ayine indicated that with the exception of one charge of bribery in the Opuni matter in respect of which no evidence was led, none of the persons affected by his decisions so far has looted state resources.

“There is a gulf of difference between the offense of causing financial loss to the state and the offenses of bribery, corruption or that of using public office for private gain. In the latter offenses, the individual charged can be accurately labelled as looters; in the former it would be thoroughly unfair and defamatory to label the accused as persons who have looted state resources,” he said.

Witch-Hunt

Dr. Ayine went on to point out that some of the cases initiated by the previous administration were politically motivated witch-hunt, citing the cases of Dr. Ato Forson and that of Ofosu Ampofo.

In the case of Dr. Forson, he indicated that, “I believed then and still believe now that the Honourable Ato Forson was the victim of a political witch-hunt, and that he had no case to answer in that trial. That position was vindicated by the erudite judgment of the Court of Appeal which ruled that the trial court erred in calling upon the accused persons to mount their defence.”

In the case of Ofosu Ampofo, he stated that “the charges against the Honourable Ofosu Ampofo were trumped up and motivated purely by politics. I still stand by that view.”

BY Gibril Abdul Razak

Chamber of Aquaculture and ASA/WISHH sign MoU to strengthen Ghana’s Aquaculture Industry

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The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana (COA) and the American Soybean Association’s (ASA)/World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA/WISHH) have joined forces aimed at enhancing aquaculture sustainability and development in Ghana. The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

During the event, Mr. Chris Slemp, Director of WISHH’s Africa Division, acknowledged COA’s contributions to the Ghanaian aquaculture sector. He reaffirmed WISHH’s commitment to actively engage in COA’s annual Aquaculture Ghana conference, a pivotal gathering for industry stakeholders.

Additionally, Mr. Slemp emphasized the importance of addressing employment challenges within the industry. The partnership will provide employment opportunities for graduates of the WISHH training program, which will equip individuals with technical expertise and field experience.

Director of Research, Statistics and Information Management at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mr. Ishmael Browne, reaffirmed the ministry’s strong ties with the Chamber of Agriculture. He expressed optimism that the MoU would significantly contribute to the advancement of Ghana’s aquaculture sector.

Chief Executive of the Chamber of Aquaculture, Jacob Adzikah, commended WISHH’s early support for the Chamber and welcomed the formalization of their partnership. He announced the imminent launch of a COA job portal, which will allow skilled aquaculture professionals to connect with potential employers. This platform will also serve as a resource for interns enrolled in WISHH’s training initiative.

Highlighting the Aquaculture Ghana conference as a premier platform for showcasing talent within the aquaculture value chain, Mr. Adzikah underscored its importance in fostering industry growth.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the collaboration, WISHH’s Executive Director, Madam Gena Perry, emphasized the potential for expanded opportunities for COA, WISHH, and the broader Ghanaian aquaculture industry.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ghana Free Zones Authority to strengthen investment drive for industrialization

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Dr. Mary Awusi, Acting CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority Dr. Mary Awusi, Acting CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority

The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) is intensifying efforts to attract investment and accelerate industrialization by streamlining processes, enhancing regulatory support, and improving business facilitation services.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mary Awusi, outlined her vision for a more investor-friendly environment during a staff engagement session at the Authority’s Tema office.

She emphasized the critical role of an efficient Free Zones regime in driving economic growth and creating jobs.

“By streamlining processes, strengthening regulatory support, and offering timely business facilitation services, we will create a more investor-friendly environment that enhances Ghana’s industrialization drive,” she said.

Dr. Awusi reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the Authority’s operations, highlighting four priority areas:

She stressed the need for collaboration with businesses and government agencies to address long-standing challenges within the Tema Free Zones enclave.

During engagements with business leaders, Dr. Awusi identified security, water supply, and electricity reliability as major concerns affecting investors.

She assured stakeholders that the GFZA will work with relevant authorities to improve security and stabilize utility services.

“As we all know, a 24-hour economy is one of the key policies of this government, and before we can operate it effectively, issues of security, water, and energy must be addressed. Pertaining to the security of this enclave, I will meet with the Minister of Interior today to address it,” the acting CEO stated.

To resolve water shortages, Dr. Awusi announced the construction of a 2-million-gallon capacity water storage facility, which will significantly improve the water supply in the enclave.

“The problem of water shortage will soon be a thing of the past,” she said.

Dr. Awusi’s proactive approach reflects the Authority’s commitment to boosting investor confidence, strengthening Ghana’s industrialization agenda, and positioning the country as a top destination for both foreign and local investment.

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It’s Long Overdue – Ghanaians React to Asiedu Nketia’s Call for Kotoka Int’l Airport to Be Named After Kwame Nkrumah

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Ghanaians have called for the proposed change of the name of the Kotoka International Airport to Kwame Nkrumah International Airport to be quickly implemented as it is a good idea.

Social media users, reacting to the call by National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, agreed with the move and called it long overdue.

Asiedu Nketia sparked a conversation on social media after declaring that he believes that the Kotoka International Airport should be renamed.

According to him, the Airport should not be named after a coup plotter who overthrew Ghana’s first President. Instead, it should be named after Kwame Nkrumah himself.

Nketia said even courts have ruled that the state should not celebrate events such as the 31st December and June 4th revolutions because it amounts to endorsing bloodshed, yet a coup plotter like Kotoka is being celebrated.

He called for the name to be changed to reflect Kwame Nkrumah’s status as the founder of Ghana.

More details below…

The Kotoka International Airport originally the Accra International Airport was first constructed by the British, who used it as an Air Force base during the Second World War. Following the war, it was handed over to civilian authorities. Kwame Nkrumah oversaw an expansion and renovation of the Airport in 1956. After he was ousted in a coup, the Airport was renamed after the coup leader, General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka.

Abigail Elorm Mensah Appointed as Acting CEO of MASLOC

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President John Mahama has named Abigail Akwambea Elorm Mensah as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).

The appointment, pending consultation with the yet-to-be-constituted Council of State, marks a pivotal moment in the government’s agenda to strengthen financial support for small and medium enterprises across Ghana.